Bedford County PA Archives Biographies.....England, Rufus
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Banja jbanja@msn.com May 2003


RUFUS ENGLAND, of Snake Spring, Pa., son of the late Peter 
and Elizabeth (Snyder) England, both life-long residents of 
Bedford County, was born in this township on January 27, 
1847.  His paternal grandfather, William England, came here 
when the country was wild and thinly settled, neighbors 
being few and far between; but after assisting in clearing a 
portion of the land he followed the tide of emigration 
westward, journeying with wagons across the unbroken country 
to Vinton County, Ohio, where he established a home, which 
he occupied until his death, at an advanced age.
  Peter England was reared in Snake Spring township, and 
here he toiled industriously throughout  a greater part of 
his active life.  In his declining years he removed to the 
neighboring township of East Providence, where his death 
occurred in 1890.  Of the children born of his union with 
Miss Elizabeth Snyder, four are now living, namely: Josiah 
S., of Mercer County, Missouri; Mary, who resides in 
Colerain, Pa.; Sarah, wife of Francis Diehl, also of 
Colerain, Pa.; and Rufus, of Snake Spring.  Both parents 
were members of the Reformed church.
  Rufus England in his youth took advantage of such 
educational opportunities as were afforded by the common 
schools of Snake Spring, and has since advanced in knowledge 
of men and affairs through years of varied experience.  
Familiar with farm life in all its phases, he selected 
agriculture as the means of earning a livelihood, and in the 
prosecution of this useful industry has met with success.  
In addition to general farming he makes a specialty of 
stock- raising, short-horn Durhams being his favorite breed 
of cattle, while Southdowns are the sheep of his choice.  
Mr. England is a member of the Reformed church.  In politics 
he supports the Democratic party.  He takes an intelligent 
interest in local affairs, and for three years has served as 
School Director.
  On December 19, 1880, Mr. England was united in marriage 
with Mary E. Shaffer, daughter of the late Adam Shaffer, of 
Snake Spring township.


Source: Bedford Biographical Review, 1899, Bedford Co., Pa